The Peru Gazette

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Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest confirmed to NBC5 that members of Hochul’s administration were in the city on Wednesday touring residential halls at SUNY Plattsburgh to potentially house migrants.

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Compiled and read at the departure ceremony by former NYS Assemblywoman Janet Duprey 

Lee Terry Ackley          

U.S. Air Force           1963-1988             Vietnam   

As a married electronics draftsman, a non-aviation military career in the Air Force seemed like a good choice.  

Completing boot camp, Lee decided to pursue a medical path.  Trained as an X-ray Technician, he served both the military and a private hospital sector until 1973 when he was accepted into the Physician Assistant program.   

For his 25 years of service to our Country, Lee received many medals and awards; Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and several others.

Kenneth Ackley               `           Veteran Guardian for his Dad

U.S. Air Force                1985-2007                                 Desert Storm    

As long as Ken remembers, he wanted to join the Air Force. Initially refused entry due to asthma, on acceptance, Ken began a 22-year Air Force career.

Ken’s duty assignments included: aircraft maintenance; F-16 crew chief; C-141 flight engineering; POW/water/jungle training; crash recovery; support missions to Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.  

In the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Ken’s son Schuyler is currently serving in Afghanistan.  

Nicholas Carter

U.S. Army   1975-1994 Vietnam

Nick’s WW11 veteran father advised Nick at basic training keep your head down, don’t tell the drill sergeant your name.  Nick’s first day the drill sergeant hollered “Carter, I know who you are, and YOU will need to perform.”  A Rouses Point drill sergeant wasn’t going easy on a Saranac boy.

Nick’s duty assignment was helicopter maintenance.  Nick served on an UN-1HC helicopter supporting operations against communist aggression.  Flying more than 25 aerial missions, Nick received the Presidential Air Medal.

Two weeks after Nick left Vietnam, a friend David, a door gunner lost his life.  Nick will pay respects today at the Vietnam Wall, Panel 2W, Line 137.

Donald Dayton     

U.S. Air Force     1960-1985           Vietnam

Don and his siblings had a difficult childhood at home.  Don’s escape was enlisting in the Air Force. Don’s duty assignments were aircraft maintenance and crash recovery. 

 In Guam he had to eat an iguana, and he wants everyone to know that it tastes nothing like chicken! 

Don spent his last 10 years at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, retiring as an aircraft maintenance superintendent with 25 years of service to our Country.

While in the Air Force, Don met the woman of his life and proposed after they spent 10 days together.  Losing her to cancer was devasting but she travels in his heart on today’s flight. 

 Penny Day                      Veteran Guardian for her Dad

U.S. Army               1986-1993                    Desert Storm

Penny was inspired to join the military by her family. A childhood illness made it a challenge to be accepted; with persistence she joined the Army, completing boot camp at Fort Jackson.    

Penny’s duty assignments were food service specialist in San Antonio, and hospital food specialist at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Deployed to Saudi Arabia Penny  served during Desert Storm.  Penny has a very proud Dad flying with her today.  

Albert John Ettling

U.S. Air Force 1966-1971 Vietnam

A college graduate, John’s draft status was reclassified as he joined the Air Force. John trained for 3 years to learn B-52 aircraft navigation, bomb and survival training. 

John flew over 100 bombing flights from the Delta to the DMZ; each flight contained 125 bombs. John would pull the pins pre-flight; when the bombs were released, the entire plane vibrated. Three planes flew together at 29-33 thousand feet. They gave over control flying over canopy clouds of smoke with little guidance for buildings and bridges. John flew missions out of Guam, Okinawa, and Thailand.

Donald Favreau

U.S. Army                   1966-1969                 Vietnam

Enlisting in the Army, Don was assigned to Fort Knox and Fort Gordon where he would receive training in Military Justice, Code of Conduct, non-judicial punishment, Geneva convention, survival escape and evasion.

 Initially ordered to Vietnam, Don was assigned to the 55^th MP Company in Korea due to the unrest along the demilitarized zone.  Don’s duty assignment was a patrol supervisor. Working with a Korean National Police Officer bridged the language gap. 

 Back home, at Fort Lee, Don assumed duties of Traffic Accident Division, reporting directly to the Provost Marshal. 

Steven Fretwell

U.S. Air Force 1970-1990 Vietnam

Steve continued in his World War11 father’s military footsteps.  He enlisted in the Air Force claiming they had the best food of all branches. 

Steve was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and then on to Denver for Tech School.   Steve’s duty assignment was Material Storage and Distribution. He named it “Box Kicker”.  With Steve’s sense of humor, no one wants him creating MOS titles!  

Throughout his 20-year career, Steve traveled the globs spending time in Okinawa, Thailand, Guam, Japan, Iceland, Holland, and many Air Force Bases                

Gary “Randy” Kambhampati        Veteran Guardian for Steven Fretwell

U.S. Army                             2000-2023                     Iraq 

Since the Revolutionary War, men and women in Randy’s family have served every branch.  Enlisting in the Army, Randy completed basic training at Fort Jackson; on to Redstone for a 17-year duty assignment of ammunition and explosives. 

 Randy was deployed to Iraq serving in the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th waves; returning to ARedstone with the 13^th 108 Battalion.  At the end of May, Randy retires after 23 years of service to our country; proud of his son Ish stationed at Quantico.

Doyle Frost

U.S. Air Force; U.S.  Navy               1963-1969             Vietnam

U.S. Army Reserves                         1975-2005

Doyle was born into a United Kingdom family of military service.  His World War11 father was a radio operator on a B-24; his mother served as a Wren in the Royal British Navy.

On the USS Intrepid, Doyle’s Commanding Officer asked why he corresponded with a British Royal Navy Admiral; explanation ‘he’s my grandfather’.  

After training at Lackland and Griffith Air Force Bases, Doyle joined the 380^th Electrical Maintenance Squad, Plattsburgh Air Force Base loading guns and rockets for pilots. 

In the Army Reserves Doyle served in Desert Storm.

Robert ‘Rory’ Boire                           Veteran Guardian for Doyle Frost

U.S. Marine Corps                  1979-1983                               Cold War

 Air Force; Vermont Air National Guard 1984-2003  

Rory, an Infantry Rifleman, with specialist training prepared for responsibility to capture, destroy, and deter enemy forces; assist in reconnaissance; mobilize troops with weapons supporting ground combat forces.

Leaving the Marines, Rory enlisted in the Air Force, joining the Vermont Air National Guard.  

In 2003 Rory was one of thirteen Green Mountain Boys, Security Forces Delta Squadron, sent on a 100-day deployment to Qatar. 

Gary Giles

U.S. Army                             1969-1971                   Vietnam

Gary was drafted, sent to Fort Dix for boot camp and AIT with infantry training teaching him first aid and how to get from Point A to Point B.    

Arriving at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam Gary was told to watch out for two-step snakes, if bitten he’d die before taking two-steps.  

With 10 months left in his commitment, Gary was sent to Fort Riley for tank operations.  With 5-weeks left, he shipped out to Germany. 

 Like many of his fellow soldiers, Gary prefers not to speak of his experiences in Vietnam.  The memories remain raw, and the wounds run deep.  

Robert Johnson 

U.S. Air Force                         1974-1994                            Vietnam

Bob’s Dad World War 11 POW in Germany, told his son: “don’t let the Army draft you”; “Never volunteer.”  Bob enlisted in the Air Force as a KC-135 Boom Operator; he volunteered for every flight he could.

Serving 20 years, Bob’s duty assignment was in-flight refueling; rising from aircrew to instructor, and standardization flight examiner. 

Bob was stationed at North Carolina, Kansas and Plattsburgh Air Force Bases; also, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iceland.  

During the Gulf War, Bob recalls bunking down at a fire department, 12 hours on, 12 hours off, as debris and shrapnel rained down. 

John McVicar

U.S. Army                             1950-1953                               Korean

John was influenced by John Wayne’s strength of character in movies. John forged his signature to enlist; was caught; sent home returned at age 17.   

Training at Fort Dix, John credits his tough drill sergeant for providing the skills to survive in combat.  

John was ready to go to Korea; but 4 times his orders were cancelled.  Sent to Germany; he wanted Korea.  John wrote a letter to President Truman and his request was honored. John was injured twice and sent to a hospital in Japan.  

John recalls hot, cold and lots of hits.  For his service to our country, John received a Purple Heart; Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars; and several other commendations.

Gary Miller

U.S. Army 1971-1973 Vietnam

A recruiter went to Willsboro; Gary and 3 friends enlisted.  The four trained at Fort Dix but would only cross paths once in Germany.

Gary received AIT training in recovery and evacuation and time on the firing range before going to Germany.  

Gary spent 86 days in the field, one shower with water heated in a steel pot; they were expected to shave every day.

In a large mess hall Gary met a guy from Altona.  They became lifetime friends.  Gary and Richard Wray will travel together on today’s Honor Flight. 

Francis Patnode

U.S. Air Force                 1971-1975                         Vietnam

With a number 13, there was no doubt Fran would be drafted; he enlisted in the Air Force. 

A college graduate Fran’s draft status was reclassified. Not wanting to go to flight school, he didn’t go as an officer.  Fran attended tech school at Lackland Air Force Base, going on to Griffith and Plattsburgh Air Force Bases.

 Fran met and married his wife of 48 years in Plattsburgh.  A former Master Sergeant Supervisor called from Italy offering him a position.   Recently married Fran wisely declined the offer. 

Fran’s duty assignment was Personnel Specialist; he prepared his own promotion and discharge.

James Varno    

U.S. Marine Corps               1968-1970                   Vietnam

While on base in Hawaii, Jim received orders to Vietnam.  With his cousin, he headed to California for jungle training.  His cousin broke his arm rescinding his orders.  He wanted to break Jim’s arm, but Jim wasn’t having that.

Jim’s duty assignments were Combat Engineer and Carpenter. Jim went to Vietnam as a mine sweeper. 

 Reassigned as a truck driver did not reduce the worry of road mines.  On a dirt road he ran into John Duquette from Morrisonville, who was on tank patrol.

 Even in tough times, it’s a small world! 

Richard Wray

U.S. Army                                1971-1974                         Vietnam

Army Reserves

Completing basic training at Fort Dix, Richard went to Fort Riley for AIT training as a field lineman.  He quickly realized being 35-feet in the air on a pole was not for him.  After TDY at Fort Benning, Richard returned to Fort Riley for radio repair school while spending much of his time on guard duty and KP. 

At Fort Riley, Richard met up with Gary Miller.  It’s been highly rumored they had very interesting adventures so lots of stories may be told as these friends travel on today’s Honor Flight.  

Serving 23 years in the Army Reserves, Richard activated for Desert Storm and went to Korea and Germany.  

Compiled and read at the departure ceremony by Former NY State Assemblywoman Janet Duprey 

Allen Burnsworth  

U.S. Navy                            1965-1972                   Vietnam

Allen, not a boat or swimming guy,  joined the Navy – the only branch that guaranteed his MOS (Milirational Specialist) position.  After training at Great Lakes Naval Station, Allen, a Seabee, served a year on the destroyer USS Fiske which Allen called “a floating tin can”. 

Allen spent three years in Vietnam and his assignments remain classified.  Allen received a Bronze Star. two Purple Hearts and several commendations for his service.            

Clyde Carroll                            

U.S. Navy                           1969-1972                Vietnam       

Not liking school, Clyde took a lunch break and joined the Navy. Clyde trained in electronics, under-sea weapons and guided missiles. Clyde and 66 others spent 10 months aboard an old diesel boat.  Next Clyde was on-board the USS Trout submarine for 15 months. For his final 17 months Clyde boarded the destroyer USS Warrington DD-843. They engaged in heavy fire off Dong-Hoi, North Vietnam.  Two underwater explosions left a 12-foot strip out of the ship turning a one-day trip into 7-days to reach the Philippines.                                                                              

Shane Carroll                           Veteran Guardian for his Dad

U.S. Navy                       1997-2017             Iraq

After graduating from high school in Plattsburgh, Shane trained at Great Lakes Naval Station.  As a Seabee carpenter Shane’s naval travels over the years went from Mississippi to Maine.

Shane deployed to Iraq as an escort protecting local truck drivers delivering goods to every base in Iraq.  Shane also deployed to Afghanistan and finished his Navy career back in Mississippi. 

Shane came from Mississippi to escort his very proud Dad on Honor Flight. 

Roger Douglas

U.S. Navy                              1968-1972                            Vietnam           

A senior in high school, Roger joined the Navy 3 months before the Army draft notice.  After naval training, he spent 3-1/2  years aboard the USS Knox DE-1052.  Roger transported officers from shore to ship.  The USS Knox provided gunfire support for amphibious and troop assaults within their range. Roger recalls being chased by gunboats, requiring a quick exit from Guam. An engine fire disabled the ship which had to be towed back to Pearl Harbor.  Roger’s final 5-month deployment was in the West Pacific.  

Harold Engelhart

U.S.   Navy           1944- 1946          World War11        

    Two brothers and a sister were in the Army when Harold began his training at Sampson Naval Base, New York.   Harold was assigned to fuel oil barges USS YO-21, YO-57 and the USS Whitewood AN-63, a wooden-hulled ship.  Harold’s time centered around Boston and Portland. 

With 20,000 soldiers crowded in Grand Central Station, Harold ran for the tracks to catch a train.  A hand from his enlisted sister reached out and pulled him onto the train. 

For his service Harold received a World War 11 Victory Medal and an American Area Medal.

Kurt Engelhardt                                       Veteran Guardian for his Dad    

U.S. Army                                1997-2004                               Afghanistan

The day after high school graduation Kurt was at boot camp.  In Korea, he met Sgt. Blake who lived near Kurt’s family. The Sergeant put Kurt in a Deuce, gave him a license and a box of tools.

In Afghanistan, assigned to the French Special Forces Kurt received a National Defense Medal signed by the French Prime Minister. Under enemy fire Kurt was shot in the head.  His commanding officer chewed him out for ruining the helmet.

Go figure!     

George Hiller

  U.S. Army                   1960-1962                       Vietnam

George joined the Army completing basic training at Fort Dix.

George had to look up the MOS (Military Operational Specialist) to see what it was.  He learned his duty was to drive, but, as a city kid. he never learned how.

Transferred to Fort Hood, George joined the 124^th Maintenance Battalion, 2^nd Division where he earned a sharp-shooter commendation.

The nearby Texas town was dry; George met three Kentucky guys who built a still and life was good!

At the end of enlistment, troops were sent to Florida in anticipation of the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

Every pay George received $103 after sending an allotment home to his mother. 

Paul King 

U.S. Army 1965-1967 

U.S. Navy                  1967-4968                          Vietnam

At 17 Paul convinced his mother to sign enlistment paper to follow his three brothers.   

At a bar in North Dakota, he and a buddy decided to re-enlist from Army to Navy.  Paul spent a year in both branches. 

A gunner, Paul boarded a small 5-man boat with duties 12-hours on and 12-hours off.  The shoreline duty was intense with little cover for safety.  After his 12-hour shift, an ambush at Mekong River, South Vietnam, took the life of Paul’s replacement.  Some memories are never forgotten.  

Gary LaBombard

U.S. Marine Corps      1952- 1962     Vietnam          

Gary, 17, received his parents’ signature to enlist. Impressed with Marine Corps dress blues; arriving at Parris Island, he wondered about his decision.

At Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton, Gary completed combat and drill training.  Assigned to Okinawa with the 03 Infantry Unit, Gary drove commanding officers.

Sent to Indonesia it was so hot the ship’s metal deck had to be watered down to keep it cool.   Assigned to the 105^th Artillery Division, Gary distributed live ammunition accounting for each round.   

Gary headed home on a ship for 15-long sickening days; glad the rest of the trip was by aircraft.    

Brad LaBombard         Veteran Guardian for his Dad    

U.S. Marine Corps        1993-1997         Cold War      

Influenced by his father. Brad wanted the Marine Corps’ physical demands. At Parris Island boot camp, alligators came right to the barracks.

Assigned to Combat Engineers, Camp Lejeune, he trained in quick response and support skills for search and rescue missions.  Brad served in Okinawa, Camp Pendleton, 30^th Air Command on USS Belleau Wood.

Brad completed his service with the southern U.S. Border Patrol for drug enforcement. 

Joseph “Hector” LaBounte

U.S. Army                             1962-1965                     Vietnam                   

Army Reserves     1980-2000

Hector’s four brothers served in the Army, Air Force, Marines and Navy.  Hector chose the Army serving three years in Germany with the Combat Engineers. 

On a lengthy training mission, a case of chicken noodle soup appeared. Attempting to warm the soup, cans exploded sending soup everywhere.  The Sargent didn’t cool off for a week.

Traveling to Germany, Hector was 14-days on a ship with 30-40 -foot waves; thankfully the return was calm.

For 20 years Hector was a medic with the Army Reserves.

 Francis “Porky” Lamb  

U.S. Army             1963-1966     Vietnam

After boot camp at Fort Dix, Francis, known as Porky, boarded a ship to Germany.  Rough water meant no one could go above deck for 13 days.  In Germany, Porky attempted a collect call home; his father refused the charges; Porky didn’t call home again.  Enter a worried mother, not a word from her son; contacted the Red Cross who contacted Porky’s Commanding Officer who told Porky to contact his mother. 

In Germany, Porky’s duty was driving the Battalion Commander.

Returning stateside, Porky finished his final 6 months at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn.

James McGuire

U.S. Navy                             1967-1971         Vietnam

Following the family tradition of serving in the Navy, Jim joined the Navy and served on super-carriers USS Kitty Hawk and USS Saratoga.

During an inspection, Jim’s commander noticed a pair of pants were not buttoned.  Jim spent 23 ½ hours sewing the buttons on for the next inspection taking place in 24 hours. 

Jim joined the Navy to see the world and he was not disappointed.  Jim took advantage of meeting local people and experiencing their culture and food.                                                                               

Juris Miemis

U.S. Army    1967-1969         Vietnam

Immigrating from Germany, Juris was living in Brooklyn when drafted into the Army.  In Vietnam on an HU-1C helicopter, Juris was wounded twice.  First the helicopter went down while engaged in support of ground troops.  Next the aircraft was forced into the trees under hostile fire as they retaliated against numerically superior enemy fire.

For flying more than 25 aerial missions, Juris received the Presidential Air Medal with 1^st Oak Leaf, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Two Purple Hearts and other awards.

Raymond Mitchell

U.S. Army                            1958-1960                                 Cold War                             

Ray was heading to Oswego College when the Army drafted him. Ray was assigned to clerk school, but he never worked the MOS (Military Operational Specialist) positions.

Directed to special duty, Ray was assigned to map work laying out perimeter and position maps for battle orders. The maps were used to examine position and battle options fought on paper. 

Ray was eligible to ski in the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics. Approved by his commanding officer, a higher-ranking officer sent him to the Navy ending Ray’s Olympic opportunity.                                                                    

Paul Paro, Jr.   

U.S. Army                       1969-1970                    Vietnam

With no interest in school, Paul wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncles serving his country.  Paul joined the Army and completed basic training at Fort Dix with a title of Food Service Specialist. 

Paul was assigned to Germany where he quickly established himself as an excellent cook who also delivered food to several companies. 

Completing this tour of duty, Paul was assigned as a demolition specialist.  Quite a duty change!   

Paul has fond memories of riding an Indian motorcycle throughout Europe and marrying his beloved wife. 

William O’Connor            Veteran Guardian for Paul Paro

U.S. Navy                         1972-1974                        Vietnam

Bill was determined to serve his country. Because he loved the water, Bill joined the Navy completing naval training in Orlando, Florida.

Bill served on the USS White Plains. Aboard ship, Bill was assigned to AFS-4 (Ammunition Food Supply) a Mars-class combat stores ship.  On board he also served as a machinist mate and fire fighter.

Bill spent a year in Japan.                            

Albert Swoboda

U.S. Air Force         1963-1967              Vietnam                    

With no defined career, Al noticed an Air Force recruiting station; It changed his life forever.

Completing basic and aircraft mechanic training in Texas, Al was assigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base.  On the bus, he asked the driver if they were still in the United States.  Upon arrival, guys took Al to a bar for his first beer. 

Al was assignment to work on the B-47, B-52, and KC-135 aircrafts.  As a crew chief, he flew TDY stateside and abroad. He witnessed the refueling operations for the KC-135.

Leaving Texas, Al had no idea Plattsburgh would be his lifetime home.                                                                           Biographies 

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Higher Ground & The Strand Center for the Arts Present; The Artimus Pyle BandAPB delivers hit after hit after hit, night after night after night. From Freebird to Sweet Home Alabama, APB gives fans the best of Skynyrd with one of men who made it! More than just a “tribute” to Lynyrd Skynyrd, a tribute to the man that defined it.

No, helicopters weren’t overflying Peru beginning at about midnight last night; fans turned, sometimes loudly, keeping the air moving to protect our orchards from the frost damage. Temperatures reached the low thirties—video with sound.

Propositions include funding for school buses, libraries

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SUNY Plattsburgh faculty organize, judge regional science fair

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Senator Dan Stec (R, C-Queensbury) yesterday honored his predecessor, retired state Senator Betty Little at the Senate’s 2023 Women of Distinction ceremony in Albany. Stec selected Little for this year’s Women of Distinction class, citing her long and distinguished record as a public servant and dedication to helping improve our communities.

“It was my privilege to nominate former Senator Betty Little for this year’s New York State Senate Women of Distinction,” said Stec. “I’m honored to consider her a good friend, mentor and colleague. Her record of service speaks for itself, and she’s been an inspiration to me and so many others.

“Betty Little has dedicated her life and career to helping others and has a profound legacy as a great public servant for our communities,” he added. “She is the epitome of a woman of distinction and more than deserving of this honor. It was great celebrating her career and accomplishments at this year’s ceremony.”

                The Plattsburgh Kiwanis Breakfast Club and Upstone Materials are proud to announce that Mega Trucks were added to this year’s Dozerfest lineup to make it bigger than ever.  The Wanted Truck operated by Kevin Bigelow will be there as well as the Hired Gun operated by Elijah, Hellboy operated by Tyler, and Airborne operated by Joe Bishop. After a three-year hiatus, kids and families are invited for a great day of fun filled with bulldozers, heavy machinery, monster trucks and much more at Airborne Speedway on Saturday, June 3^rd  from 9 am to 4 pm rain or shine. Community groups will also participate in the event. Admission will be $5 per person and the first 500 kids will receive a free hard hat and free popcorn passes to Cumberland 12.

                Della Motor Sports, Brunell and Sons, and Warren Tire are Titanium sponsors, Northline Utilities Charlebois, Inc., Palmer Veterinary Clinic, and Hey I’m Kim are Granite sponsors, Fuller Excavating, Goss Chevrolet, and Roberts Sports are Nickel sponsors, Riley Ford, Branon Construction, Dragoon’s Farm Equipment, Laware Construction, Moore and  Be Cool Heating & Air Conditioning are Marble sponsors, and Brennan Buick, Chazy Orchards, and AES Northeast are Steel sponsors. In addition to the sponsors, the Clinton Country Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, South Plattsburgh Fire Department and more will also be participating this year and Tammy’s Lunch Box, the Food Dudes, Bunz on the Run and Lomeli’s food trucks will also be available. The Facebook event page will be updated with all participants and sponsors closer to the date: https://www.facebook.com/events/930357284714269.

This is a very popular event that has welcomed hundreds of guests in years past and is the major fundraiser for the Plattsburgh Kiwanis Breakfast Club. The Club has proudly supported important community initiatives such as the JCEO Backpack Program, Journey Into Reading, the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System, the Ted K. Center, The Foundation of CVPH, and so many more because of the money raised at this event. In previous years, DozerFest has raised over $20,000 for the North Country community.

                It is not too late to sponsor this event! If interested, please reach out to Connie Mandeville, President of the Kiwanis Breakfast Club at kiwanisbreakfastplattsburgh@gmail.com or through their Facebook Page.

                The Kiwanis Breakfast Club Plattsburgh is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the mission of improving the lives of children in the North Country community. Each year, they perform a wide variety of service projects to give back to the community including an annual scholarship to graduating seniors.

He faces five to 15 years in prison for the charges and is due to receive his sentence on May 31.

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Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, June 5, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

The blood collected by the Donor Center provides more than 95% of the blood used at CVPH and supplies other hospitals in Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the drive. 

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An angler in Wilmington pulled himself out of the water after being trapped in rapids off the Flume Trail system

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Four New Precast Concrete Culverts Will Improve Resiliency of Key North Country Highway 

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the start of a $3.9 million project to replace four culverts along U.S. Route 11 in Franklin County. The project will replace aging structures with modern, precast concrete culverts that will improve storm resiliency and enhance safety along a vital highway for the flow of goods and people in the North Country. The roadway serves as a key connector between the Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain regions and is often used by travelers to access Interstate 81, major educational institutions such as Clarkson University and St. Lawrence University, and recreational destinations in the Adirondacks.

“New York State continues to make critically important investments that will allow our roads and bridges to withstand the demands of the 21^st Century and keep our communities connected and growing,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “These new culverts on U.S. Route 11 will help ensure that this vital roadway is better able to handle the challenges of severe weather and continue to serve North Country motorists for many years to come.”

Culverts are structures that channel water underneath roads or sidewalks, improving their ability to withstand heavy rains and other severe weather events. New precast concrete culverts will be installed along U.S. Route 11 at the following locations:

• Adjacent to the Clark Street intersection in the Town of Moira
• Just east of River Bend Avenue, near the Village of Brushton
• Adjacent to the Gallop Road intersection between Brushton and North Bangor
• Adjacent to the Lee Road intersection between Brushton and North Bangor

Read more »

Assemblyman Billy Jones statement: 

            After passing the New York State Legislature, Governor Hochul signed a bill (A3076/S447) that allows nursing students to complete up to 30 percent of their training through simulation experience. This move will help recruit and train more healthcare workers and is one of the most recent initiatives to address the healthcare worker shortage across the state.

            “Healthcare facilities across the North Country are struggling to find nurses and it is straining our resources,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake). “I am proud to cosponsor this bill because it makes training more accessible and will help more students across the North Country get the training they need. Many colleges, including SUNY Plattsburgh, already have the technology to teach students through simulation. It makes sense to take advantage of these labs to allow future nurses to complete their training. We need more nurses in the North Country and I will continue to support initiatives that help recruit and train healthcare workers.”

“We are grateful to the leadership of our local legislators, who supported this important change,” said SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi. “Assemblyman Jones was an early co-sponsor and among the strong voices for advancing the use of nursing simulators. This change reflects the needs of the profession and can help grow the number of nurses in the state health care system and those educated on our campus.”

After a year-long renovation, SUNY Plattsburgh recently re-opened the Damianos Nursing Simulation Lab in February. This lab imitates a real hospital and provides students hands-on experience where they treat “patients” that are high-fidelity manakins with the ability to mimic human bodies. This simulation allows students to make “safe errors” that they would not be able to do in clinical settings, which enables them to learn from their mistakes. Thanks to this legislation, students can now use the Damianos Nursing Simulation Lab to complete a portion of their training.